World number one Justine Henin-Hardenne faces a race to be fit for her French Open defence later this month, according to her coach Carlos Rodriguez. The 21-year-old, who has resumed training after three weeks out, has been suffering from a virus similar to glandular fever and will not compete prior to Roland Garros.

"The last blood tests came out positive,

the doctors gave Justine the green light to start training again," Rodriguez told the Belgian's official website.

"As from today Justine will be training again on the courts, with the prospect of playing at Roland Garros at the end of this month.

"But we still need to be patient for a few more days to know for sure whether she'll participate in the second Grand Slam of the year or not.

"After three weeks of rest, Justine will have to find her rhythm fast and she wont be taking any unnecessary risks."

Henin-Hardenne won her third Grand Slam title in a year at the Australian Open in January, but has played just one clay-court tournament this season at Amelia Island in Florida, losing in the semi-finals.

Venus+Serena#1fan

May 4th, 2004, 09:35 PM

So she's not playing warmups?

DannerCal

May 4th, 2004, 10:02 PM

No warm ups. She may not even play the French, but looks like she is going to try if she feels healthy enough.

7~ŒLêV3ñ½

May 4th, 2004, 10:05 PM

same same article, just different headlines...

tennisfan1972

May 4th, 2004, 10:50 PM

SO her results came back positive that .......?? she has the conditions or positive that she is ok and can start training?? i hope she is ok. She brings alo to the tour. Get Well Justine!